Lian Li PC-T60 PitStop ATX Test Bench Review

If you're the kind of computer enthusiast whose case is always open, and you change components in your rig more often than you change your underwear, a "work bench" type fof computer case might be something you could use. These open-air chassis make it easy to swap out components and access areas of your system like diagnostic LEDs and voltage measurement points. Of course, they also make it easy for the dirt and danger of the outside world to get to your system's expensive and delicate electronics, so they're not for everyone. Lian Li's new PC-T60 and PC-T7 Test Bench chassis (for ATX/mini-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards, repectively) address this market with the brushed aluminum flair the company is known for, and Benchmark Reviews checks out the new Lian Li PC-T60 ATX/Mini-ATX Test Bench chassis in this review.

Lian Li has made a name for themselves with their high-quality aluminum computer cases aimed at the enthusiast market. Their new "Test Bench" chassis are no different: crafted of the same gorgeous brushed aluminum used in their other cases, these chassis are also available in black and red anodized versions as well as the standard silver. Screws and standoffs are silver metal for the silver version of the case, and black metal for the red and black versions, a nice touch.

As I noted, test bench-type open air chassis aren't for everyone. The exposed motherboard electronics are vulnerable to spilled drinks, pet dander, and other environmental detritus. There's no cable management as in similarly-expensive regular cases, and a dropped screw could easily roll under the motherboard and create a short between the motherboard and the supporting metal tray, instantly frying your rig.

The Lian Li PC-T60 ATX/Mini-ATX Test Bench will set you back between $99 and $129, depending on the color (the red version is more expensive). While this might seem high for an open-air case, it's similar to or slightly below the prices of competing products like the all-plastic HSPC Tech Station. How does it compare functionally? We'll see in the coming pages.

PITSTOP Features

To ensure user can put everything together easily, Lian Li designer decided to use only standard PC component inside the T60, standard 5.26" optical drive, standard 3.5" hard drives, standard ATX PS/2 power supply units. The parts are easy to get on current market, and it would be easy to upgrade and server in the future.

The power supply has rubber pads for both insulation and support. Reduce vibrations and also secure the PSU without scratching the painted surface.

There are two space for standard 5.25" optical drive above the power supply unit.

T60 features Lian Li patented Anti-virbation HDD cage, which allow user to fit three of 3.5" HDDs. It is easy to use, no tool required, simply using the special thrumb screw to secure the anti-vibration rubber ring to the HDD, and slide the HDD into the cage.

T60 is a ATX / Micro-ATX TEST BENCH, it equipped with 8 PCI slots, especially in the advent of adding in new graphics cards.

There are two aluminum handles for 2.5" HDDs below the M/B tray, allow user to install or remove 2.5" HDD easier.

Multi-media port connectors follow international specification standards, with one connector for easy installation.

T60 support a internal fan Cooler for two of 120mm or 140mm fans, to push the cold air through the motherboard.

PC-T60 Specifications

Model

T-60

Case Type

ATX / Micro-ATX Test Bench

Dimensions

(W) 351mm x (H) 400mm x (D) 330mm

Front Bezel

None

Color

Black / Silver / Red

Side Panel

None

Body

Aluminum

Net Weight

1.8KG

5.25" Drive Bay

2

3.5" Drive Bay

3

2.5" Drive Bay

2

Expansion Slots

8

Motherboard

ATX / Micro-ATX

System Fan

120 / 140mm Fan x 2 (Optional)

I/O Ports

USB 3.0 x 2 / e-SATA x 1 / HD+AC97 Audio (Optional)

Max video card size

None

About the company: Lian Li

Lian Li Industrial Co., LTD was founded in 1983. We are the one of the largest and most reputable manufacturer of aluminum PC case in Taiwan. With over twenty years of experience in the computer products field, our dedicated team of engineers, production specialists and administrative staff provide the finest quality accessories available on the market.

Our outstanding quality has earned us ISO 9001 certification for all of our products. In addition, we back up our quality assurance with a two-year guarantee on most of our products. R&D is one of the reasons why Lian Li is able to offer quality products to the market. Whether it is for OEM or ODM projects, our experienced mechanical and electrical engineers are capable of providing our customers with the best solutions in product design.

Comments

I was waiting for this review since I'm looking for a new bench table.I like it but that bar at the top really ruins the design. I know you can take it off but those side bars would still be there.It's still a nice price considering it's a Lian Li's product.David, I'd have love to see more detailed photos from your personal installation but that's just me I suppose.Servando

Yes, I've looked quite hard for the IO panels (they have them on their website under chassis modding > case parts > multimedia I/O ports kit, but when I look up the model number of the one I want in google there are absolutely no results for any etailers. Quite annoying, really.

My suggestion for Lian-Li is to release a v2 of this case with the following changes:

- support for XL-ATX motherboards- make the 2 aluminium pieces that form the handle at least 2cm taller so that the handle doesn't obstruct tower CPU coolers- widen the motherboard tray by at least 1cm on the right edge (the one where the CPU sits) so that wider CPU coolers don't push up against the aluminium piece that forms the handle- screwless push-button system for mounting the 5.25" devices, e.g. like the HAF 932. Currently this will be problematic but if the tray is widened as proposed above, it will work fine.- add plastic mobo standoffs that allow you to drop the board on/lift it off. Keep the screwable standoffs for people who want to mount their boards more firmly.- drill another set of holes in the mobo tray (between the holes at the back and the holes in the middle) where it attaches to the rest of the chassis, to improve balance